The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) is a union representing about 1,500 faculty members and 50 librarians and archivists at the University of Western Ontario in London.
UWOFA negotiates collective agreements, advises members on employment matters, handles workplace disputes and grievances, and advances the professional interests of faculty members, academic librarians and archivists.
In the broader community, UWOFA representatives meet with provincial and federal politicians to ensure members' voices are heard and reflected in education and labour policy decisions. As well, UWOFA strives to engage members and citizens through awareness campaigns regarding post-secondary education during general membership meetings, community events, contact with journalists, and town hall discussions.
Board Member Spotlight: Nigmendra Narain
Nigmendra Narain is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science. He is a recipient of the 2006 Angela Armitt Teaching Award, was named 2016 Professor of the Year by the Undergraduate Political Science Association, and is the recipient of the 2017 Residence Life Teaching Award of Excellence. He does extensive outreach with student organizations and is involved in numerous student-focused activities.
Like many, Nigmendra seeks to find opportunities to improve pedagogy, working conditions, and the student experience as his focus is on teaching and student engagement. In particular, he seeks to understand the role, challenges and concerns that contract faculty face, and brings them to the Board of Directors and other UWOFA committees in order to better the work environment and educational experience for all at Western.
